Join us on Thursday 16 May, 18:30 – 20:00 for a panel discussion with four guest speakers, chaired by Andrew Edwards, to discuss the public house industry.
Thursday 16 May, 18:30 – 20:00
We are told that nearly 400 public houses were shut down in 2023 and on average 50 shut every month. Pubs have been part of our culture for centuries. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans apparently dates back to 1600 and our own Bingley Arms in Bardsey, although claiming to be medieval, is thought to date back to 1738.
So, are we facing last orders? It is a serious question and one we are going to try to answer at one of our beautiful heritage pubs, the Adelphi.
We shall debate trading conditions, city centre v suburban pubs, culture and heritage especially the issue of maintenance of heritage pub buildings and the emergence and impact of micropubs.
This will be an interesting and lively debate that you would not want to miss!
The event will take place in the upstairs function room with the first free drink provided within your ticket price.
The doors will open at 18:00 with the discussion starting at 18:30, the room is hired until 23:00 so you are welcome to stay after the discussion for a drink.
Speaker Profiles
Greg Mulholland
Greg Mullholland, former MP for Leeds North West and leading pub campaigner will be joining the panel. Greg has a track record in standing up for independent pubs and against the dominance of large pub companies and will offer and interesting perspective to the debate.
Steve Holt
Steve has a long association with beer and pubs. He spent first 8 years of his life in a Yorkshire pub operated by his parents. Following sales and marketing positions with Cadbury’s and Texas Instruments, he held senior positions in brewery companies since 1986 before starting his own consultancy business in 2000. In addition to launching and developing several beer brands, he has also received CAMRA and English Heritage awards for pub refurbishment and preservation. He founded Kirkstall Brewery in 2011 and associated companies have since been added, which include a number of award-winning pub businesses
Professor Victoria Wells, Professor of Sustainable Management, School for Business and Society, University of York
Victoria works as ‘Professor of Pubs’ and examines consumer behaviour related to pubs. Pubs are unique English institutions that provide a context to relax, drink and meet friends. Currently under threat with many pubs closing, this work is motivated by the need to understand consumer behaviour in the area and to aid the survival of pubs and enable them to thrive and continue to support their communities. Her work has also examined consumer co-operative pubs and their members. She is currently working on projects examining what consumers value in pubs, and what the general public perceive about pubs. Her work has been featured in The Yorkshire Post, the Daily Star and The Morning Advertiser. Her recent York Talk ‘Last orders: rumours of the death of the pub are greatly exaggerated. But what might its future look like?’ is available to view online.
Mike Hampshire
Mike is the Founder and Director of Tours of Leeds, offering guided and audio tours around Leeds, including the award-winning Leeds Heritage Pub and Brewery Tour. Mike is also the current Secretary for the British Guild of Beer Writers, and has previously worked as a publican, brewery consultant, beer festival organiser and is a former Chair for the Leeds branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. Mike’s media appearances to talk about the beer industry includes BBC News, ITV and BBC Radio Leeds.
Tickets:
Leeds Civic Trust Members £8.00
Non Members £10.00
Tickets include one free drink.
Useful information
Date and time: Thursday 16 May, 18:30 – 20:00
Location: The Adelphi, 1-3 Hunslet Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ (0113 245 6377)
Accessibility: There is no lift to this function room, there are stairs to negotiate but handrails on both sides on the first flight and one handrail on the shorter second flight.
Food: If you would like to eat before the discussion please prebook a table through the Adelphi website. Please pre – book to order food as this may not be guaranteed without a reservation. Food will be served in the downstairs area and cannot be brought to the function room: Book Online at The Adelphi Leeds West Yorkshire
